Bring the kids to this free, live drive-thru Nativity @ Skidaway Island United Methodist Church, 5:30-7:30PM Sun. Dec. 20 2020.

The narrated loop will include live actors, animals and a luminary path all leading toward the final nativity scene.

Cars and golf carts are both welcome.

This event is free and open to the public.

Live Drive-Thru Nativity
Skidaway Island United Methodist Church
54 Diamond Causeway, Savannah
Sun. Dec. 20, 2020, 5:30-7:30PM

Feed the Hungry will hold their annual toy drive registration starting Mon. Dec. 7 2020 .

That registration will continue through Thurs. Dec. 10 2020 from 9AM-noon each day at the Empowerment Center, 4704 Augusta Rd. in Garden City.

Parents, in order to register you must bring a legal ID, your child’s social security card or their birth certificate. Your child must also be present at the registration.

The Feed The Hungry Christmas Drive Through Dinner on Dec. 23 2020 at the Windsor Forest Community Center.

The City of Savannah is encouraging holiday shoppers to support local, small businesses by offering free parking in Savannah’s city-owned garages on Small Business Saturday and Tuesdays and Wednesdays in December 2020.

Parking is free from noon-8PM on Nov. 28, Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23 in the following locations:

Bryan Street Garage, 100 E. Bryan St.
Liberty Street Garage, 401 W. Liberty St.
Robinson Garage, 12 Montgomery St.
State Street Garage, 100 E. State St.
Whitaker Street Garage, 7 Whitaker St.

Normal daily and/or hourly parking rates will apply before noon and after 8PM.

Local fire departments will have their annual Santa fire truck convoy through certain neighborhoods during the 2020 Holiday Season in Savannah, Wilmington Is. & Bluffton.

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Islands Fire Santa Truck 2020

Islands Fire on Wilmington Island will escort Santa with their full fleet again in 2020 as firefighters help deliver candy canes and holiday cheer.

Date will be as follows: 12/12/20 – Wilmington Island | 12/13/20 – Whitemarsh & Talahi Islands.

Please use the maps here as reference for the routes. Also find interactive maps for a closer view here.

Live tracking of Santa and the Fleet will be available on the days from this page.

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Isle of Hope/Dutch Island Santa Fire Truck 2020

The Isle of Hope Volunteer Fire Department bring Santaaround Isle of Hope and Dutch Island this Sat. Dec. 12 2020, 1-3PM. The truck will leave the station at 1PM, head down Paxton Drive and around IOH. Then the convoy will travel to Dutch Island.

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Southside Santa Fire Truck 2020

Southside Fire’s Montgomery Division will have their annual Santa Truck detail when Santa visits various Savannah neighborhoods on a firetruck.

The 2020 Southside Santa firetruck holidays dates and route:
Dec. 20-Whitfield Ave.
Dec. 21-Ferguson Ave
Dec. 22-Burnside Island

Southside Fire will post updates and additional information here leading up to the event and during the event. This will include departure times from the station and their starting point for each area.

This will allow you to plan out an approximate time in which Santa should be coming to your neighborhood.

Free & open to the public.

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Bluffton SC Santa Truck 2020

The Bluffton Fire Santa Truck will visit various Bluffton SC neighborhoods during the 2020 Holiday season Nov. 30-Dec. 17.

Santa will ride nightly on the dates listed in the schedule above between 6-8:30PM, depending on weather.

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Find more Savannah-Lowcountry Holiday Happenings 2020 in our Event Calendar. 

Santa visits will look different this holiday 2020 season in Savannah.

Some Santa visits/photos will be outside with masked Santas. Others at indoor malls will be through Plexiglass Santa shields. Kids can even zoom with Santa from home. Here’s a look at how your child can visit with Santa in Savannah during the pandemic.

Plant Riverside District Santa Meet & Greets, Photos

Santa visits, photos will take place outdoors during the holidays @ Savannah’s Plant Riverside District @ 400 W. River Street in downtown Savannah. Children will not sit on Santa’s lap but be positioned next to Santa. Two elves will help direct. Santa will have a white mask and children are encouraged to wear their mask. Parents or caregivers can take photos of children in the Santa setting. Visits start Fri. Nov. 28-Sat. Nov. 29, then resume Dec. 5-24. Details here.

Santa shield @ Bass Pro Shops, Savannah Mall 

Already under way @ Bass Pro Shops Savannah Mall are in-person Santa Claus visits, photos for kids using a “magic Santa shield” at the store’s FREE Santa’s Wonderland experience. Learn more about these contactless visits with Santa here . 

Zoom with Santa, Richmond Hill 

Kids can zoom with Santa 8AM Sun. Dec. 6 on the City of Richmond Hill Facebook page. Details here. 

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Find more kids’ holiday happenings in Savannah & the Lowcountry here. 

Visit a free Kindermusik Savannah music class on Monday afternoons just for older children!

Ages 4-7 welcome with their caregivers for music and movement in a playful and interactive small group setting!

Play instruments, learn musical terms, notation, singing and more! Text 912-432-5885 to set up your free trial class.

Visit the Kindermusik Savannah website for more info on all of their classes for ages 0-7.

Visit kindermusikwith88keys.com or text 912-432-5885 for more info.

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends.

Kindermusik Savannah is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

In lieu of a Christmas Parade this year, be on the lookout for Tybee Island Main Street’s festive, lighted Christmas Caravan, coming Dec. 4, 6PM to a neighborhood street near you.

See the route map above.

The Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District will offer family-friendly holiday activities including Santa Meet & Greets on certain days from Nov. 27, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021.

Plant Riverside District holiday family events include a Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 27); Boat Parade, fireworks show (Nov. 28); live performances and more.

The Savannah Christmas Market is located exclusively at Plant Riverside District, 400 W River St., Savannah

Santa Meet & Greets, Pictures with Santa will be Nov. 28-29 as well as Dec. 5-24 2020. Details below.

Learn more here

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FRI. NOV. 27

Kid’s Corner (Children’s Activities) Noon-3PM
• Letters to Santa
• Ornament Decorating
• Holiday Card Making
• Cookie / Gingerbread Decorating
• Making of Holiday Wreaths
• Creating Popcorn Garland
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Savannah Banana Pep Band / Interactive Experience 4-5PM
(Plant Riverside Riverwalk)

David Jowers Holiday Magic 5-5:45PM
(Plant Riverside Pavilions)

Pictures with Santa  7:30-9PM
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Tree Lighting Ceremony 6-7:30PM
Start the holiday season with a Christmas Story read by the Roger Moss and follow with a candlelight processional to the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Plant Riverside District. Choir performances by the Savannah Children’s Choir. Santa may make appearance. Music to continue through the evening.
(Plant Riverside Amphitheatre in MLK Park. Tree Lighting will be @ Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Plant Riverside District Holiday Fountain Show featuring performances by Savannah Cirque aerialists and acrobats 9PM

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SAT. NOV. 28- BOAT PARADE DAY

Christmas Story Time with special guest 11AM-Noon
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Kid’s Corner (Children’s Activities) 11AM-4PM
• Letters to Santa
• Ornament Decorating
• Holiday Card Making
• Cookie / Gingerbread Decorating
• Making of Holiday Wreaths
• Creating Popcorn Garland
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Holiday Cirque Performance by Savannah Cirque 2-2:30PM
(Plant Riverside Amphitheater in Martin Luther King Jr. Park)

Holiday dance performances 4-5:30PM
• Maxine Patterson School of Dance
• Allied Arts Dance School
• Gretchen Greene School of Dance ~ Tribute to the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Holiday performance by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra 5:30-7PM
(Plant Riverside Amphitheater in Martin Luther King Jr. Park)

Santa Meet & Greet 1-3PM; 6:30-8:30PM

Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7-9PM Judging will take place in MLK Park at Plant Riverside District. Open seating is available at MLK Park and viewing on Riverwalk. VIP seating for the Boat Parade of Lights and the Fireworks Show is available. Learn more here. 

Christmas Fireworks Show, 9:30PM

Plant Riverside District Holiday fountain show featuring performances by Savannah Cirque aerialists and acrobats in MLK Park, 10PM

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FREE PARKING ON RIVER STREET

Use parking code 10153664 from the City of Savannah to receive free parking at electronic meters on River Street for Friday & Saturday Nov. 27-28. The code is valid on Nov. 27 and 28 from 8AM to 8PM

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Throughout the Holidays 2020 

Savannah Christmas Market
Nov 27-Jan 3
Learn more here.

Santa Meet and Greet
Dec 5-Dec 24
Sat & Sun: 1-3PM
Daily: 6:30-8:30PM
Learn more here.

Savannah Dance Co. 

Savannah’s newest dance school is now offering FREE registration for dancers ages 3-4 for Tuesday morning classes, 10-10:45AM as well as for a Mommy and Me Tuesday morning classes, 11-11:45AM.

Use the promo code FREE2020 to register for free.

Learn about classes offered & register for classes online here. 

Savannah Dance Company is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Fort Pulaski National Monument is free on Veterans Day 2020, Wed. Nov. 11

Fort Pulaski, island trails, parking lots, visitor center restrooms are open. Free admission on Wed. Nov. 11, 9AM-5PM

The visitor center & the north shoreline are closed. Construction projects have closed the Lighthouse Overlook Trail and will limit access to the historic fort. Historic Fort Pulaski may not be accessible to everyone with mobility issues.

Details here.

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Free Veterans Day Golf in Georgia State Parks

All military can enjoy a day of free golf on Wed. Nov. 11 2020.

Military can play 18 holes for no charge at eight beautiful courses across the state. Golfers must call ahead for tee times, mention this discount and show proof of service.

This deal is valid for all U.S. veterans, active duty, reserve military and National Guard with valid military ID. Find details and more deals here.

You’re invited to an Outdoor Family Movie Night fundraiser for Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, 7PM Sun. Nov. 15 2020 @ in Savannah.

While theaters have reopened, many people may not yet feel comfortable patronizing enclosed spaces in close proximity to others due to COVID-19. But you can enjoy a showing of ‘The Addams Family’ on Sun. Nov. 15 in Savannah.

The movie starts at 7 p.m. 6502 Seawright Dr., Savannah. The event is free to attend, but donations are greatly appreciated. Attendees can bring chairs, blankets, and snacks or picnics to enjoy while watching an outdoor screening of the “The Addams Family” on a large inflatable movie screen.

Stage Front Production Services donated their services and equipment for the evening, providing the audio-visual needs for the event, which will guarantee a high-quality show for all in attendance.

Proceeds from the Outdoor Family Movie Night will support Family Promise’s mission of assisting homeless families with children in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties.

For more information about Family Promise, visit www.familypromisece.org, email familypromise@familypromisece.org or call 912-790-9446.

Impression Free Family Weekend for Savannah & Chatham County residents @ Telfair Museums’ Jepson Center, Savannah

Nov. 13 at 10AM–Nov. 15 2020 at 5PM

Families can explore Telfair’s beloved collection of impressionist art in a new light at the Jepson Center in this weekend of free admission for Savannah and Chatham County residents.

Family Weekends are free of admission to the Jepson Center only for City of Savannah and Chatham County residents.

Visitors to the Free Family Weekend are invited to tour current exhibitions and explore art activities led by Telfair’s education team, including a self-guided scavenger hunt and take-home activity kits.

Exhibitions currently on view include Collecting Impressionism: Telfair’s Modern Vision, a sweeping survey of some of the museum’s most important paintings; Youthful Adventures: Growing Up in Photography, which includes iconic photographs of the 20th and 21st centuries; and Cut and Paste: Works of Paper, a special exhibition of paper works by Georgia artists.

This will be Telfair’s final free weekend of the year.

Learn more here.

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Telfair Museums is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser 

Zoom with Santa, Richmond Hill

City of Richmond Hill will host this special online event for kids at 8AM Sun. Dec. 6 2020 on the City of Richmond Hill Facebook page.

Learn more here. 

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Christmas Car Parade, Richmond Hill

Santa and his friends will travel through some of the neighborhoods in a very Merry Little Christmas Car Parade on Sat. December 5 2020, 10AM-2PM.

Route and more information to follow.

**Please note that parking and standing along major roadways will be strictly prohibited.**

Learn here.

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Christmas Drive-In Movie 

The City of Richmond Hill is hosting a Christmas Drive-in Movie at JF Gregory Park on Dec. 11, 2020 starting at 5:30PM.

A sign up will be released to reserve your spot, as parking will be limited.

Reservations will go live on City of Richmond Hill Facebook page.

Announcing a new Kindermusik Savannah class for ages 4-7!

This month you’ll be studying jazz music. Come play instruments, move, make friends and learn.

First class is free. Class meets Mondays at 4PM.

Also, enroll for Kindermusik “On the Road“ playdate to be held on Sat. Nov. 14 at 10AM. Ages 0-7 and their caregivers invited. Each child gets an instrument to keep.

Visit kindermusikwith88keys.com or text 912-432-5885 for more info.

Kindermusik…A Good Beginning Never Ends.

FREE Discover, Imagine, Grow (D.I.G.) program @ The Sandbox Children’s Museum, Bluffton SC

This FREE school readiness program is back at Sandbox Children’s Museum Tanger 2 location on Thursday mornings during the 10AM play session.

With a smaller group size and health and safety protocols, your 3-5-year-old can experience hands-on learning in a guided setting. The curriculum is aligned with the SC Early Learning Standards and covers topics in art, science, math, and social studies.

To register. please call Bluffton’s Tanger 2 location at 843-705-6235.

The Sandbox at Tanger 2
Tanger Outlets Hilton Head
1414 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910

The Sandbox Children’s Museum is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

The Savannah Christmas Market Plant Riverside District will offer family-friendly holiday activities including Santa Meet & Greets on certain days from Nov. 27, 2020 through Jan. 3, 2021.

Plant Riverside District holiday family events include a Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 27); Boat Parade, fireworks show (Nov. 28); live performances and more.

The Savannah Christmas Market is located exclusively at Plant Riverside District, 400 W River St., Savannah

Santa Meet & Greets, Pictures with Santa will be Nov. 28-29 as well as Dec. 5-24 2020. Details below.

Learn more here

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FRI. NOV. 27

Kid’s Corner (Children’s Activities) Noon-3PM
• Letters to Santa
• Ornament Decorating
• Holiday Card Making
• Cookie / Gingerbread Decorating
• Making of Holiday Wreaths
• Creating Popcorn Garland
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Savannah Banana Pep Band / Interactive Experience 4-5PM
(Plant Riverside Riverwalk)

David Jowers Holiday Magic 5-5:45PM
(Plant Riverside Pavilions)

Pictures with Santa  7:30-9PM
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Tree Lighting Ceremony 6-7:30PM
Start the holiday season with a Christmas Story read by the Roger Moss and follow with a candlelight processional to the first annual Christmas Tree Lighting at Plant Riverside District. Choir performances by the Savannah Children’s Choir. Santa may make appearance. Music to continue through the evening.
(Plant Riverside Amphitheatre in MLK Park. Tree Lighting will be @ Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Plant Riverside District Holiday Fountain Show featuring performances by Savannah Cirque aerialists and acrobats 9PM

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SAT. NOV. 28- BOAT PARADE DAY

Christmas Story Time with special guest 11AM-Noon
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Kid’s Corner (Children’s Activities) 11AM-4PM
• Letters to Santa
• Ornament Decorating
• Holiday Card Making
• Cookie / Gingerbread Decorating
• Making of Holiday Wreaths
• Creating Popcorn Garland
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Holiday Cirque Performance by Savannah Cirque 2-2:30PM
(Plant Riverside Amphitheater in Martin Luther King Jr. Park)

Holiday dance performances 4-5:30PM
• Maxine Patterson School of Dance
• Allied Arts Dance School
• Gretchen Greene School of Dance ~ Tribute to the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.
(Plant Riverside Montgomery Park)

Holiday performance by the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra 5:30-7PM
(Plant Riverside Amphitheater in Martin Luther King Jr. Park)

Santa Meet & Greet 1-3PM; 6:30-8:30PM

Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights, 7-9PM Judging will take place in MLK Park at Plant Riverside District. Open seating is available at MLK Park and viewing on Riverwalk. VIP seating for the Boat Parade of Lights and the Fireworks Show is available. Learn more here. 

Christmas Fireworks Show, 9:30PM

Plant Riverside District Holiday fountain show featuring performances by Savannah Cirque aerialists and acrobats in MLK Park, 10PM

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FREE PARKING ON RIVER STREET

Use parking code 10153664 from the City of Savannah to receive free parking at electronic meters on River Street for Friday & Saturday Nov. 27-28. The code is valid on Nov. 27 and 28 from 8AM to 8PM

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Throughout the Holidays 2020 

Savannah Christmas Market
Nov 27-Jan 3
Learn more here.

Santa Meet and Greet
Dec 5-Dec 24
Sat & Sun: 1-3PM
Daily: 6:30-8:30PM
Learn more here.

How do actors become their character?

This imagination-engaging activity from the Savannah Cultural Arts Center helps beginning actors learn and practice character development skills.

Just in time for Halloween, try out this technique with your costume!

Find the instructions here. 

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

2020 Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade-in-Place

Introducing Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade-in-Place. Over the course of three nights –  Thurs. Nov. 5– Nov. 7 2020 –  the Hilton Head Island community to put their lanterns on display in their front yards, balconies, windows.

Chantelle’s Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons will be out each night at a different location for a drive-thru spectacle of light. Come drive by one of these stops and see her large glowing puppets on display each evening from 7-8 PM.
* Thurs Nov. 4 @ Coastal Discovery Museum
* Fri Nov. 6 @ Fire Station 3 (534 William Hilton Pkwy)
* Sat Nov. 7 @ Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park

The three neighborhoods with the most lanterns on display in your community will receive a surprise mini-lantern parade on your block @ sunset. So make sure you let organizers know you’ll have your lantern shining brightly.

If you plan to have a lantern on display please register online here.

Created by and featuring artist Chantelle Rytter, the Lantern Parade is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island.

Learn more here. 

You’re invited to 41st annual Novemberfest: A Marketplace of Crafts for All Seasons @ Trinity Lutheran Church in Savannah on Sat. Nov 14 2020, 10AM-2PM

Start your holiday shopping with gifts for all. Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Christmas, Easter and more. Accessories, centerpieces, children’s items, quilts, garden art, home décor, kitchen items, pet beds and toys, wreaths and decorated Christmas trees.

This event will also feature:
The TLC Bake Shoppe for homemade goodies from candy to jams and jellies.
A used book sale & children’s craft area in the Education Building.
Latin Chicks food truck will be in parking lot, 10AM-2PM. Buy lunch or take home for dinner.
Visit with Lizzie and Luke – LCC Comfort Dogs.
Drawings for hand embroidered quilt and a recliner.

For info. call (912) 925-4839. Social distancing and face masks required.

Trinity Lutheran Church
12391 Mercy Blvd
Savannah, GA 31419

20th Anniversary Gingerbread Trail & Competition, Savannah
(Savannah Gingerbread Trail. Nov 28—Dec 25.

Find a map of Gingerbread Trail here. 

Unlike in years past when the gingerbread village was displayed at Westin Savannah on Hutchinson Is., this year the annual gingerbread tradition will be hosted by various businesses throughout downtown creating a new Gingerbread Trail.

Register as a youth group, family, business or in the Official Gingerbread Competition to win top prizes and support area charities.

Or register to host up to ten of the gingerbread houses. The Savannah Harbor Foundation will promote your business location and drive traffic directly to you. Create a special holiday offer like a gingerbread hot toddy or similar to maximize your sponsorship. The Build-Local Division is meant for non-profits, businesses, hotels, restaurants, shops and other businesses to build and showcase houses with a cash donation of $1000 made to the winner’s charity of choice.

Learn more here.

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Find a map of Gingerbread Trail here. 

Where can you find a boar in Savannah? Officially named Il Porcellino, this Italian bronze statue can be seen in the front lawn of the Armstrong-Kessler Mansion, just north of Forsyth Park.

Downtown Savannah is full of such animal statues and figures across its squares, homes, and fountains.

Follow along with the Savannah Cultural Arts Center to discover and learn more about our permanent animal residents–for free!

Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @SavannahCulture and #animalsinsavannah

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Savannah Cultural Arts Center is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser

Bring the kids to Risen Savior’s Pumpkin Patch in Pooler, which is designed to be a quality and safe fall activity for your family to enjoy.

Proceeds from the Pumpkin Patch go to the Navajo Indian Reservation in Farmington, New Mexico (This is also where the pumpkins come from, employing 700 Native Americans and making positive and lasting impact on a region with 42% unemployment); Risen Savior Christian Academy and Risen Savior’s youth conference travel expenses.

Pumpkin Patch 2020: Sat. Oct. 17 through Sat. Oct. 31, 11AM-7PM (weekdays); Noon-7PM (weekends).

UPDATE: Pumpkin delivery date has been pushed back so pumpkins will not arrive until Sun. Oct. 18.

Cost: free to enter (pumpkins are priced according to size), free family-friendly games & fall activities.

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Fall Festival 2020: Weekend of October 24-25 

October 24-25 2020, Noon-5PM will be a festival weekend join with some additional activities for all ages (Pumpkin patch will be open until 7PM):

• Vendors
• Picture booth
• Bounce Houses (fee)
• Carnival Games & Raffle Baskets (fee)
• Face Painting
• Bake Sale (fee)
• Pumpkins for sale

Risen Savior Christian Academy, 1755 Quacco Road, Pooler, Ga. 313122, 912.925.9431 Risen Savior Christian Academy is a SouthernMamas.com advertiser. 

You’re invited to this free community event: Family Fall Fest/Trunk or Treat on Halloween, Sat. Oct. 31 2020.

The Fall Fest will be 3-5PM, followed by the Trunk or Treat at 5-7PM @ Pooler Church, 100 Commerce Court, Pooler GA 31322.

Free & open to the public.

Looking for a fun, socially-distant way for your family to enjoy the outdoors and burn off some energy?

Join Savannah Tree Foundation for a family-friendly, nature-based scavenger hunt Sat. Oct. 10, 2-4PM in Juliette Low Park. Search for tree-related natural items throughout the park. Learn about different leaf types, what seeds animals like to snack on, and more.

The first team to finish the scavenger hunt will win STF t-shirts for the whole family.

This will be a day of learning and adventure.

RSVP at the ticket link here, as this event will be limited to a capacity of 50 people.

RSVP online here.

Event’s COVID safety protocols:
Face masks will be required. Hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided. Prior to the event, please DO NOT ATTEND if: You or a member of your household has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 2 weeks, you or a member of your household has had a fever, or you or a member of your household is waiting to receive results of a COVID-19 test.

Sat. Oct. 10, 2020 @ 2-4PM
Juliette Low Park in Savannah’s Gordonston neighborhood
Hosted by Savannah Tree Foundation